Emerging from the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania scene, If Not For Me has been making a big name for themselves in the modern metalcore scene. Taking inspiration from foundational bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Killswitch Engage, and August burns red they have embraced genre-bending style and enrapturing melody. Now, they’re pulling out the black candles and the summoning circle for their new single “Unholy”

Listen to “Unholy” Here

The topic of possession is a tried and true narrative in the alternative scene, as is the name “Unholy” (my mind flashes back to the Kim Petras and Sam Smith single that trended in 2023), but in my vast sacrilegious history of music consumption If Not For Me may have released my favorite. There are a list of artistic choices that make this song stay under your skin after listening. From the way If Not For Me bookends the song with the same chords, the intense breakdown, and the way they seamlessly blend in turntable scratching with the rest of the instruments. Patrick Glover displays his expansive vocal range in this drop going from gasping whispered sections, longing clean vocals, vicious growls, and threatening spoken word. It hits pretty much any technique you could want from a vocalist without feeling forced or out of place. Cody Frain hits that reggaeton beat between rapid double kicks and the overall heavy tempo. “Unholy” may be taking the crown as If Not For Me’s heaviest track. The bassline is present in the entire song, offering a grinding thrum as the guitars screech and wail.

"I really wanted to lean into the horror imagery in the lyrics and leave almost nothing up to interpretation, and it was super important to me to really convey the desperation and intensity of the vocals. I wanted the listener to really feel the 'clawing under my skin' and 'gnawing out of my head,' as well as the frantic delivery in the screams and instrumentals.” Says lead singer Patrick Glover

I’d say they did well delivering on that horror aspect. There are segments where it feels like the vocals are lurking behind you. The guitar feels like nails digging into you as the bassline pulls you under. The drums move behind you in stalking pursuit. There is no reprieve from the intensity that they bring. Even the calmer sections of the song linger with an uneasy tension. It’s full of that forbidden allure and terrifying feral energy that suits the theme of possession.

Watch the music video for “Unholy” below:

Directed by Blackwolf Imaging, the music video for “Unholy” is equal parts classic horror and modern styling. Adding to the religious setting list the visuals are split between a church, a simplistic exorcism, and action shots of the band. Torn between submission to the demon inside and struggle for control it’s a satisfying watch. Some fans may also get a little something out of the scenes with Patrick succumbing to the will of the “demon”. It does a great job matching the lyrics and vision brought to mind when listening.

Fans will get plenty of opportunities to see “Unholy” performed live as If Not For Me kicks off an extremely active touring season. Starting with the three-way headliner HOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND tour with Colorblind, and Windwaker this May (as a Windwaker fan, I’ll probably be there) including a stop at Welcome to Rockville on May 9th. There will also be an appearance at Ohio's Inkcarceration Festival on July 17th. So definitely take the many many opportunities to grab tickets and see them on stage.